Fairfax Connector Buses Will Begin Accepting SmarTrip Cards in May

Fairfax Connector buses soon will be able to accept SmarTrip cards as
fare payment when new fareboxes are installed in May. The new SmarTrip
fareboxes will be installed on south county buses in early May, and on
north county buses in mid-May. All buses should have the new technology
by June.

One of the advantages for passengers who use SmarTrip technology is the
ability to travel seamlessly throughout the region using the card.
Another advantage is the eventual opportunity to discontinue the use of
paper transfers, tickets and passes. SmarTrip technology also will make
boarding the bus more efficient.

The introduction of the SmarTrip farebox is Phase I of a two-phase,
regional project. SmarTrip cards in Phase I will be programmed to
recognize the continuation of a trip or transfer, so passengers will not
be required to request a transfer when using the SmarTrip card to pay
their fare. Also in Phase I, the new fareboxes will continue to accept
cash, with the exception of pennies, just like the current fareboxes. All
other fare media, including Metrobus passes and paper transfers, will
continue to be accepted while Phase I of the farebox installation occurs.

Phase II, which will occur after transit systems throughout the entire
region are equipped with the new fareboxes, is anticipated to feature
enhanced functions and should enable the region to discontinue the use of
paper transfers, tickets and passes.

Passengers may purchase SmarTrip cards at the five Connector Store
locations in Fairfax County:

Tysons-West*Park Transit Station

Reston East at Wiehle Avenue Park & Ride

Reston Town Center Transit Station

Herndon-Monroe Park & Ride

Franconia-Springfield Metro Station

SmarTrip cards also may be purchased through Metro online at www.wmata.com or at www.commuterdirect.com, or by
visiting Metro sales outlets. SmarTrip cards also are available for sale
at Metro stations that offer public parking. Passengers may add fare
value to the SmarTrip card at any Metro station vending machine labeled
“Passes/Farecards.” The SmarTrip card costs $5, and passengers are
encouraged to register the card with Metro to protect the value from loss
or damage. SmarTrip cards can hold up to $300 of fare value.

The new SmarTrip fareboxes are one of several improvements being made to
the Fairfax Connector bus system this year. Bike racks will be installed
on all Connector buses to accommodate bike riders, offering more choices
for commuters. New “green diesel” low-floor buses have been ordered and
will start arriving in May; these buses produce fewer emissions due to
the installation of a diesel particulate filter system.

For media inquiries about Fairfax Connector’s new fareboxes, contact
Mary Mulrenan, Fairfax County Department of Transportation, at
703-324-1204, TTY 703-324-1102.

Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of
disability in all county programs, services and activities. To request
this information in an alternate format, call the Office of Public
Affairs at 703-324-3187, TTY 711.